The Easiest Way to Save Money—Ever

Holiday shopping season is almost here. If you've looked at your bank account lately wondering how the heck you're going to afford gifts for everyone on your list, we've got a sweet money saving solution for you: head to the bank and trade in your wrinkled, worn cash for crisp new bills.

Okay, yes, that might sound a bit weird, but according to the Journal of Consumer Research, the crisper the bills in your wallet are, the less inclined you'll be to spend them. In a number of studies, consumers were given either shiny new bills or worn out ones, then they were asked to complete various, shopping-related tasks.

Those who had the worn bills were more inclined spend their cash than those who had newer money. Not only that, people were more likely to break a worn bill to get rid of it than they were to pay an exact amount using crisp bills. (Crazy, right?!)

Researchers believe that the appearance of money can influence our shopping habits: worn bills, they say, can evoke feelings of disgust, while new currency can give us a sense of pride. But, whatever the reason we want to hold on to that cold, hard, pristine cash may be, we'll gladly take this money-saving tip!

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